From New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Weiner comes "a smart, witty fairy tale for grownups" (Maureen Corrigan, NPR).
Addie Downs and Valerie Adler will be best friends forever. That’s what Addie believes after Valerie moves across the street when they’re both nine years old. But in the wake of betrayal during their teenage years, Val is swept into the popular crowd, while mousy, sullen Addie becomes her school’s scapegoat.
Flash-forward fifteen years. Valerie Adler has found a measure of fame and fortune working as the weathergirl at the local TV station. Addie Downs lives alone in her parents’ house in their small hometown of Pleasant Ridge, Illinois, caring for a troubled brother and trying to meet Prince Charming on the Internet. She’s just returned from Bad Date #6 when she opens her door to find her long-gone best friend standing there, a terrified look on her face and blood on the sleeve of her coat. "Something horrible has happened," Val tells Addie, "and you’re the only one who can help."
Best Friends Forever is a grand, hilarious, edge-of-your-seat adventure; a story about betrayal and loyalty, family history and small-town secrets. It’s about living through tragedy, finding love where you least expect it, and the ties that keep best friends together
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"A; A fun story about 2 high school friends who reunite to address the issue from the past that had split them apart. I felt connected to Addie with her weight struggles and bullying. She's an amazingly strong character who balances out the zany Val."
— Cathy (4 out of 5 stars)
“Touching and true-to-life.”
— The Washington Post“Riveting…Strong, poignant writing.”
— New York Post“A smart, witty fairy tale for grown-ups.”
— Maureen Corrigan, NPR“One of our favorite heroines of the summer…Another superlative novel by Weiner, about a big girl with a bigger heart, that will have women and men of all sizes cheering.”
— USA Today“A hilarious caper, resplendent in charm and poignancy.”
— Booklist (starred review)" This was my first Jennifer Weiner book, and while I did not entirely connect with the two main characters, I did enjoy her storytelling. My four star review is for her sense of humor and wonderful writing style. "
— Dina, 2/3/2014" Good story about Addie and Val - friends from high school who took different directions in life - Val comes back to ask for Addie's help after a mishap at their high school reunion "
— Marsha, 2/1/2014" While researching Weiner's latest book, I realized that I had not noted that I read this book. I remember it as having entertaining characterization and action. "
— Academicsupport, 1/25/2014" Just blah. The story was fine. The characters were fine. The writing was fine. Nothing about this book made it past "fine" for me. It seemed to try very hard to be sentimental, but never quite got there. It's hard to get mushy about people whose overall personalities are so flat and static. I've read better by Weiner. "
— Jenny, 1/3/2014" Enjoyable to listen to while commuting! Funny, charming, and interesting storyline. Jennifer Weiner is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors! "
— Iris, 12/15/2013" Just okay. I can't even think of anything to say about it. "
— Eva, 12/5/2013" I really enjoyed this book!! "
— Tracie, 11/26/2013" This is one of the BEST books I've ever read. It was so funny! "
— Farrell, 11/6/2013" I typically read this author for consistent entertainment, occasionally thought provoking, but in general she is my "chick-lit" go to. But this book, might be the stupidest book I ever read. "
— Beth, 11/3/2013" New writer to me. A good story, needs better work by the editor, but over all, I liked it and would read another book by this author. "
— Jean, 10/24/2013" If you like happy endings, read this book. Some of it may seem a little unrealistic, but it leaves you with a good feeling inside. A good read for when you're feeling down. "
— Alysa, 10/22/2013" This book was a good, quick read. Weiner bounces between 3 narrative voices, and I found myself skipping one of them because I didnt care about his story arc...and no not the cop narrator. Not my favorite of her books, but still a fun read for the beach or a lazy day. "
— Kristen, 10/2/2013" Don't waste your time on this one. Stupid premise, anti-climatic, and boring as hell. "
— Devin, 9/28/2013" Not my most favourite book by this author but once I got into it I enjoyed the light read ! "
— Heidi, 9/23/2013" read a while back and from what I remember I liked it. "
— Diane, 8/2/2013" Cute, but not her best "
— Mary, 3/6/2013" Wow this book actually made me sad while i was reading it. It was a good story but i don't like to read books that will depress me. "
— Kami, 2/19/2013" Great book! I didn't want it to end. "
— Christan, 11/15/2012" The last 50 pages totally ruined this book for me. "
— Allison, 5/19/2012" Not Jennifer Weiner's best book, but still enjoyable. I really hated the character of Valerie Adler. This book made me cry in some parts and also reminded me of the uncomfortable feelings from high school where you swear you have the weirdest family and all you want to do is fit in. "
— Vern73, 2/28/2012" did not love this book--i don't like books where the motivation for their actions seems illogical. "
— Susan, 1/7/2012" Jennifer Weiner re-visits familiar themes such as friendship and self-esteem with her trademark humor, compassion and lightheartedness. Not a terribly realistic plot, but a solid summer read. "
— Susan, 9/28/2011" Another Jennifer Weiner winner! I <3 her writing style and storytelling abilities. The perfect Christmas break read. "
— Honeybee, 5/23/2011" This book was very good. I liked that way they showed their childhood and the story itself kept me hooked and wanting to know what happens next! :) "
— cassie, 5/22/2011" I read this awhile back and expected something great. It was okay - "
— Megan, 5/20/2011" Entertaining, pretty much what you can expect from this author. You don't select Jennifer Weiner for any deep literary reading, just a fun, quick read with a few laughs here and there. "
— Luz, 5/17/2011" A story of friendship, lost and recovered and a story of learning how to live as yourself. "
— Heidi, 5/16/2011" This book was ok, not great but occupied a day and a half car ride. "
— Beth, 5/15/2011" I read while on vacation and I thought it was pretty good...until the end. What? Jordan makes out with Addie in Florida? crazy. Addie is preggers by Dr. Vijay? So random. But in all the book was good, well written and pretty funny. "
— Rpleshette, 5/13/2011" I kept thinking it would get funny but never really did. Actually a downer. "
— Beth, 5/10/2011" This was an odd book. Kind of a weird storyline, but with a good message, I guess you could say. True friends can withstand any fight and the test of time. "
— Heather, 5/9/2011" Real bad. Someone loan me something quality. "
— Tiffany, 5/5/2011" I wasn't really thrilled with this book. "
— Jodi, 5/5/2011" I think Weiner writes a solid book. The plot felt predictable to me, but I read it on vacation and it kept me engaged. "
— Maggie, 5/4/2011Jennifer Weiner is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty-one books, including In Her Shoes, which was made into a major motion picture starring Cameron Diaz. She has appeared on many national television programs, including Today and Good Morning America, and her work has been published in the Wall Street Journal and New York Times, among other newspapers and magazines. Visit her online at JenniferWeiner.com.
Kate Baldwin is an acclaimed musical theater star. She has appeared in the Broadway casts of The Full Monty, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Wonderful Town, and starred in numerous productions including Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, The Women, Henry V, and South Pacific, earning a Helen Hayes Award nomination. Kate is also a singer, and has performed in concert with the New York Pops, the American Songbook series at Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and at the legendary New York nightclubs like Feinstein’s, Birdland and most recently, 54 Below. She has released two albums. Kate is a graduate of Northwestern University and lives with her husband and son in Brooklyn, New York.
Rick Holmes is an actor best known for his roles in the films The Stepford Wives and Spinster. He received his BA from Gettysburg College and his MFA in acting from New York University.